15 volumes, that's the length of an audit done on the Asheville City Police Department's evidence room. What the audit turned up was disturbing to Buncombe County District Attorney Ron Moore.
"We apparently have some drugs that are not accounted for we have packages that there appear to be issues with," Moore said.
The audit was issued in April when 380 pills were found missing from the evidence room.
Since April, Moore says he's had to shut down the evidence room which has major consequences, including letting out several people, accused of violent crimes, on small bonds.
"Our case is dependent largely on evidence surrounding a rape kit so we need to check on that because that has been on hold, and I did let him out of jail," Moore said.
Moore says in many cases it's the criminals benefiting from this.
"There have been some drug cases where we gave someone a better deal then they would normally get who may have been habitual felons who were sitting in jail," Moore said.
Moore says new procedures will be put in place, including making sure at least three people are working in the room at all times as well as holding routine audits and reviews.
Moore says a major problem the room is cluttered, filled with evidence that no longer needs to be there.
"I am sure we are going to find a lot of items in there where somebody pled guilty ten years ago and the items still there," Moore said.
That means there will be at least a week of training before the evidence room will be reopened and Ron Moore says he hopes when it does he can find justice for his rape victim and continue prosecuting criminals.
Evidence pertaining to the missing drugs has been sent to the FBI for further investigation.
If the FBI can figure out who is responsible for stealing the evidence they will face criminal charges.
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